Countrywide looking forward to next phase of the Help to Buy scheme

Countrywide, the estate agency and property services group, is expecting another boost from the government's Help to Buy scheme when the second phase comes into force early next year, according to a report in City AM. Most of Countrywide's sales are in second hand homes, which are not covered by the first part of Help to Buy scheme. However, the second part of the scheme will offer mortgage guarantees on all house purchases worth up to £600,000. Chief executive, Glenville Turner, was quoted as saying: “The government initiatives will apply to our core market from the start of January 2014 and are expected to lead to increased activity although it is too early to judge the exact impact at this stage.” August 2, 2013